Cherry blossoms will soon appear in Tokyo and Washington, DC, but you don’t have to navigate the city crowds to see the many flowers that spring is upon us. Train trips around the world allow travelers to see the tulip fields at their peak in late April, or see the gaws in wild flowers through the Grand Canyon before summer crowds (and temperatures) arrive.
From Dutch trains to vintage steam locomotives, these Eight The train offers the best spring views.
1. Tokaido Shinkansen Line
- root: Tokyo to Kyoto, Japan
If you are traveling from Tokyo to Kyoto by Groom Gun Train on the Tokaido, be careful when passing through Shizuoka Prefecture. When you are heading south, you will see Mt. Fuji and the pink sea on the right side of the train furOr Mosphlox, blooms to the left. If you want to enjoy flowers at a slower pace, the annual Toshibazakura Festival takes place between April and May, with peak blooms occurring in the first few weeks of May.
2. Grand Canyon Railway
- root: To Grand Canyon National Park, Williams, Arizona
The Grand Canyon became a national park in 1919, but the Grand Canyon Railway has been bringing visitors from the town of Williams to South Rim since 1901. The historic train travels to the Grand Canyon every morning through 65 miles of Ponderosa and Pignon Pine Forest. Many of the wild flowers in the area, including penstan and pink desert phlox, begin to bloom later in spring. Travel in April or May for the best chance to see flowers during the season.
If you are departing from the Midwest, Vacations by Rail offers a six-day rail tour that combines a day trip on the Grand Canyon Rail with a round-trip ride at the Chief of Amtrak southwest between Chicago and Flagstaff.
3. Dutch railway trains
- root: Haarlem from Leiden, Netherlands
Most tourists flock to Keukenhofgardens to catch the tulip bloom that occurs annually from mid- to late April in the Netherlands. But did you know that the Dutch national railway company operates regional trains between Haarlem and Leiden, which pass directly through the colorful tulip fields? You can choose between faster intercity trains that make only two stops or local sprinter trains that make four stops between two cities. In any case, a one-way trip within 30 minutes of Harlem costs less than 10 euros. Once you arrive in Leiden, you’ll want to explore the small city in the afternoon when Rembrandt was born in 1606.
4. Amtrak California Zepher
- root: Chicago to the San Francisco Bay Area
After leaving Chicago, Zephyr in California passes through Iowa and Nebraska before heading towards the Rocky Mountains, then through Sierra Nevada to the San Francisco Bay Area. On the routes designated by Amtrak, you can see the mountains melting snow and bringing it to life in the spring with bright wild flowers.
5. Belmond British Pullman
- root: Return to and from Victoria Station in London
The meticulously restored Belmond British Pullman Train will take a day trip through the British countryside from the base at Victoria Station throughout the spring. For the past few years, special trips included afternoon tea Great bake-off in Britain Trip to Judge Mary Berry or RHS Chatsworth House Flower Show. In 2025, you can book a trip to Bath (you can celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th birthday in Austin Night) or a murder mystery lunch on board.
6. Denar Star Train
- root: Anchorage to Fairbanks
Since 1903, the Alaska Railroad has awe-inspiring passengers as they watch the untouched mountains and river views of the last frontier. One of the five rows, Denal Star Train begins its annual spring service period, and will stop passengers at Fairbanks after passing through Wasilla, Tarketona and Denali. (In 2025, northbound services from Anchorage will begin on May 14th.)
The train heads 356 miles north on this 12-hour journey, and as the snow begins to melt, the 49th state returns to colour. To enjoy the best views of deep pink peonies and wild flowers along the journey, consider coming in late May to June in the second half of spring.
7. Amtrak Texas Eagle
- root: From Austin to San Antonio
The full length of the Texas Eagle route is difficult. Over 2,700 miles of endpoints are available in Chicago and Los Angeles. But aim on the legs from San Antonio to Austin for bluebonnets, orange Indian paintbrushes, and other wildflower landscapes dotted through the Texas Hill Country (approximately 31,000 square miles between Texas High Plains and San Antonio).
8. Tsugaru Railway
- root: Goshogawara to Nakadomari
In Japan’s northern prefecture of Aomori, the Tsugar Railway is operated all year round and is one of the few lines in the country that has been entirely owned since the beginning of 1930. The 45-minute trip from Goshogawara to Nakadumari boasts cherry blossoms. cherry blossoms Scenic stops like Ashino-Kōen Station make one of the most beautiful trips of the season.
This article was originally published in 2020. Updated on March 17th, 2025 with new information.
